Eat Dark Chocolate!

Who doesn’t love chocolate?

It’s long been revered as a great tonic for a sweet tooth. And now scientists are discovering that it also may be good for your health. New studies show that dark chocolate produces antioxidants, which protects the body against cardiovascular disease, lowers blood pressure and reduces bad cholesterol. Besides its heart-healthy benefits, dark chocolate also acts as a mild antidepressant.

Chocolate lovers beware: Only chocolate with a 65 percent or higher cocoa content confer these health benefits. And even then, don’t go overboard. Chocolate is still a high-calorie food and eating too much will outweigh the beneficial effects. A well-balanced diet includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein. And an occasional sweet treat is fine. So given the choice, why not try one of these dark chocolate dessert recipes for your next special occasion!

Black Chocolate Espresso Cake With Bittersweet Glaze
This cake is almost jet black with a deep chocolate flavor.

Flourless Chocolate Brownies
Delicious alone. Positively decadent with a side of ice cream and dark chocolate sauce.

Chocolate Dessert Sauce
Serve this sauce warm or cold over cake, ice cream or other deserts.

Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
Add almonds, cherries, pistachios, coconut or other favorite additives if desired.

Chocolate-Cherry Cupcakes
Join the cupcake craze with this easy recipe.

Chocolate Mousse
Dark chocolate is the standard for this classic recipe.

Cherry-Almond-Chocolate Clusters
Crispy toasted almonds and sweet-tart cherries are deliciously paired in this heavenly confection.

Chocolate Cakes With Matcha Truffle Centers
The combination of tea and chocolate — yin and yang — is very common in Asia.

Chocolate Almond Cake
A versatile, all-purpose chocolate cake that stays moist and flavorful. 

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These can be moist or crisp, depending on how long you bake them.